Ask HN: Which books do you consider real gems in your field of work/study?

Maybe Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP)?

Obviously TAOCP, SICP, K&R, and other books in their ranks are better answers.

SICP

Godel, Escher, Bach (Douglas Hofstadter)

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Robert Pirsig)

Snow Crash

Obviously TAOCP, SICP, K&R, and other books in their ranks are better answers.

K&R

Yes, it's very often recommended. It's surprisingly entertaining for a technical book.

There’s very little fluff, which is exceedingly rare in a technical book.

The Design of Everyday Things. It really changed how I view software (or any product) as just a tool to help people.

Big +1 for Code by Petzold.

When I read The Selfish Gene that explanation was very convincing to my (layman's) mind

Neuromancer

Blindsight

1984 (George Orwell)